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Don't miss the festive fun at this magical start to the holiday season! The celebration kicks off at 5:00pm with the start of the Gentex Grand Rapids Santa Parade Downtown Grand Rapids. At Rosa Parks Circle, we will be awaiting the arrival of Santa Clause to lead the magnificent lighting of the 40-foot concolor fir tree around 6:45pm.During that time the fun will continue along Monroe Center and Rosa Parks Circle with:
🎄 A DJ plus performances by the Girls Chorale Academy and the Salvation Army Brass Band
🎄 Free hot cocoa from The Salvation Army to warm up
🎄 A minty treat from Country Fresh
🎄 Grab a book from GRPL
🎄 Visit with the Gerald R. Ford Airport, Gentex, City of GR, and Downtown Ambassadors for other freebies and resources
🎄 Write letters to Santa with USPS
🎄 Snap pics with your favorite characters like, Crash & friends from the Whitecaps, Whoville’s whackiest bunch, Sparky from the GR Fire Department, Bucket from the GR Gold, and of course… Santa himself!
🎄 Don’t miss the photobooth and giant snow globe photo op hosted by Matrix Entertainment — it’s pure winter wonderland magic
Some of our friends indoors near Rosa Parks Circle will host holiday fun leading up to and during the tree lighting festivities! Check out:
❄️ Oh, Hello Co.: In partnership with the Grand Rapids Children's Museum, get crafty with ornament decorating, button-making, and strike a pose at their festive photo station — perfect for kids and kids-at-heart! This will all take place inside Oh, Hello Co. located at 40 Monroe Center.
❄️ GVSU Laker Store: Find the perfect gift for every Laker fan! Explore a wide selection of unique merchandise, including the limited-edition “Philly’s Faves” collection — supporting student scholarships with every purchase. Pay them a visit at 101 Monroe Center NW.
❄️ Gazelle Sports: Dress to be seen in your boldest, flashiest holiday gear and join the free Jingle Bell Fun Run! The route starts at Gazelle Sports and winds through downtown’s holiday displays. It’s the perfect way to get into your holiday spirit! Meet up at 52 Monroe Center NW just after the tree is lit to join the fun. Follow their page for more details on the run.
❄️Garden District: Warm up with a tailored winter menu full of seasonal delights. For those 21+, don’t miss their signature Hot Buttered Rum — available to-go in social district cups so you can sip and stroll! Check them out at 55 Monroe Center NW.
Please also add the link for our city's Event and Activities page:
Holiday joy and unforgettable memories are waiting for you at this spectacular season kickoff!
Parking: The closest parking ramps are the Monroe Center Ramp and Ottawa-Fulton Ramp. The most affordable? The Area 9 DASH Lot! Just park and hop on the free DASH bus (stops at the parking lot every 15 minutes). Street parking may be available but will be limited as you near the center of the city due to multiple parade-related closures. ✅ Reminder – don’t park at meters with a ‘No Parking’ hood to avoid ticketing/towing.
Parade Day Travel Tips: Downtown will be *bustling* with events and some temporary road closures for the parade route. Consider arriving early to find the best parking and enjoy pre-parade and tree lighting activities, like grabbing a bit to eat or checking out the local shops.
✨ Let’s Make It a Night to Remember! Bundle up, bring the kids, and invite your neighbors—downtown Grand Rapids is the place to be this holiday season. We can’t wait to celebrate with you! 🎁🎶
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Rosa Parks Circle, Grand Rapids,MI,United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
